
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Driving and Operating 235
automatically unless the vehicle is in
N (Neutral), See“Car Wash Mode” later in
this section.
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park).
To shift in and out of P (Park), see Shifting
Into Park (Mechanical Shifter) 0227 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter) 0228
and Shifting out of Park (Mechanical Shifter)
0 229 or]Shifting out of Park (Electronic
Shifter) 0229.
Service Shift Lever Message
If the message SERVICE SHIFTER SEE
OWNER’S MANUAL appears in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the shift lever
needs service. Have the vehicle serviced as
soon as possible. If the vehicle is
automatically shifting into P (Park), check to
see if the P (Park) button on top of the shift
lever is stuck. To operate the vehicle, hold
the shift lever in the desired gear,
R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until vehicle speed
exceeds 15 km/h (10 mph), then release the
shift lever.
R : Use this gear to back up. If the vehicle is shifted from either
R (Reverse) to D (Drive) or L (Low), or L (Low)
or D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the speed is
too high, the vehicle may shift to
N (Neutral). Reduce the vehicle speed and
try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Press and hold the shift lock release button on the side of the shift lever.
3. From the center position, move the shift lever forward to R (Reverse). R will be
illuminated in red.
4. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0214. N :
In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for more than five minutes.
It may automatically shift into P (Park).

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Driving and Operating 241
Driving on clean, dry pavement in 4mor
4
nmay:
.Cause a vibration to be felt in the
steering system.
.Cause tires to wear faster.
{Warning
If equipped with four-wheel drive, the
vehicle will be free to roll if the transfer
case is in N (Neutral), even when the shift
lever is in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear —2
m, 4m,
or 4
n— or set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
See Shifting Into Park (Mechanical Shifter)
0 227 orShifting Into Park (Electronic
Shifter) 0228.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in 4n
may damage or shorten the life of the
drivetrain. An engagement noise and bump is normal
when shifting between 4
nand 4mor
N (Neutral), with the engine running.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) off. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0247.
Automatic Transfer Case
Two-Speed Transfer Case
Work Truck
Uplevel Shown, Base Level Similar
If equipped, the transfer case controls are
used to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive.
To shift the transfer case, press the desired
button. The graphic in the instrument
cluster will flash while a shift is in progress.
The graphic displayed will change to indicate
the setting requested.
When the shift is complete the graphic will
stop flashing. The Driver Information Center
(DIC) message turns off once the shift is
complete. If the transfer case cannot
complete a shift request, it will go back to
its last chosen setting.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Driving and Operating 245
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4 graphic stops
flashing, and the current setting is indicated.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only made
after the button is released. The 4x4 graphic
will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed.
A DIC message displays. Once the 4x4 shift
has completed, the DIC message disappears,
the 4x4 graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0122.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
Work Truck Shown, Others Similar
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
246 Driving and Operating
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. SeeElectric Parking Brake
Light 0121 and Service Electric Parking Brake
Light 0121. There are also parking
brake-related Driver Information Center (DIC)
messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing, have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0309.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Driving and Operating 247
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 206.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will
apply. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0214 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
254 Driving and Operating
Caution
Do not lock the axle while the tires are
spinning. The vehicle drivetrain could be
damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
If the vehicle’s axle is locked while driving
on pavement, the drivetrain could be
damaged. Repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not use the
locking axle on pavement.
Before the front axle can be locked, the
transfer case must be in 4
n. The front axle cannot be locked
independently of the rear axle.
To lock the front and rear axles:
1. Place the transfer case in 4
n. This is the
only mode that allows the front axle to
lock. See Four-Wheel Drive 0240 for
more information regarding the transfer
case and four-wheel drive low operation.
2. Press the front/rear axle locking switch with the vehicle stopped.
3. Wait for the light in the switch to stop flashing and remain illuminated to show
that the front axle is locked. Engagement
of the front axle lock will disable the
Antilock Brake System (ABS) and
illuminate the ABS warning light. Hill
Descent Control (HDC) will also be
disabled.
The locking front axle will be disengaged
when the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h
(25 mph) or the transfer case is shifted out
of 4
n.
ABS will be automatically re-enabled and the
ABS warning light will turn off when the
locking front axle is disengaged. If HDC was enabled prior to axle lock, it will
be automatically enabled when the locking
front axle is disengaged.
After pressing the switch to unlock the axle,
it may remain locked due to torque in the
driveline. The axle is more easily unlocked
by turning the steering wheel to the right
and to the left while traveling at a low
speed.
Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Driving and Operating 257
path, ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses a windshield mounted front
camera sensor.
If equipped with Super Cruise, ACC uses a
radar sensor(s) as well to detect other
vehicles. SeeRadio Frequency Statement
0 450.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following
gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling the vehicle speed when
the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, ACC may automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0247. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely used, ACC
can be turned back on. Disabling the TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC system will disengage and
prevent engagement of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver” later in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0206.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the camera sensor is blocked by snow,
ice, or dirt. The system may not
detect a vehicle ahead. Keep the
windshield and headlamps clean.
.When visibility is poor due to rain,
snow, fog, dirt, insect residue, or dust;
when other foreign objects obscure
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the camera’s view; or when the
vehicle in front or oncoming traffic
causes additional environmental
obstructions, such as road spray. ACC
performance is limited under these
conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip
.With extremely heavy cargo loaded in
the cargo area or rear seat
.When towing a trailer

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
258 Driving and Operating
J:Press to turn the system on or off. The
indicator turns white on the instrument
cluster when ACC is turned on.
RES+ : Press briefly to resume the previous
set speed or to increase vehicle speed if ACC
is already activated. To increase speed by
about 1 km/h (1 mph), press RES+ briefly. To
increase speed to the next 5 km/h (5 mph)
mark on the speedometer, hold RES+.
SET– :Press briefly to set the speed and
activate ACC or to decrease vehicle speed if
ACC is already activated. To decrease speed
by about 1 km/h (1 mph), press SET– briefly.
To decrease speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer,
hold SET–.
*: Press to disengage ACC without erasing
the selected set speed.
[: Press to select a following gap setting
for ACC of Far, Medium, or Near.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster (Base Level) 0109 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 0110. The
increment value used depends on the units
displayed. Switching Between ACC and Regular Cruise
Control
To switch between ACC and regular cruise
control, press and hold
*. A Driver
Information Display (DIC) message displays.
See Vehicle Messages 0136.
ACC Indicator (Base
Level)ACC Indicator (Uplevel)
Regular Cruise Control Indicator
When ACC is engaged, a green
oor\
indicator will be lit on the instrument cluster
and the following gap will be displayed.
When the regular cruise control is engaged, a green
Jindicator will be lit on the
instrument cluster; the following gap will
not display.
When the vehicle is turned on, the cruise
control mode will be set to the last mode
used before the vehicle was turned off.
{Warning
Always check the cruise control indicator
on the instrument cluster to determine
which mode cruise control is in before
using the feature. If ACC is not active, the
vehicle will not automatically brake for
other vehicles, which could cause a crash
if the brakes are not applied manually.
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
If
Jis on when not in use, SET–/RES+
could be pressed by mistake and engage
ACC when not desired. Keep
Joff when
cruise is not being used.
Select the set speed desired for ACC. This is
the vehicle speed when no vehicle is
detected in your path.